Saying “I do” is more than just words – it’s a lifelong commitment, so why not make it looking your absolute best? A wedding suit is far more than thread and stitches; it’s a symbol of confidence, sophistication and timeless allure that lets you truly shine on your big day. With every detail thoughtfully crafted, it becomes a piece of textural art – one that reflects both the moment and the man. To explore why a made-to-measure suit is the ultimate must-have this season, Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Josephine Day speaks with Haz Halabi, owner and lead stylist at The Gentry Menswear.
Located in the heart of Thornbury, The Gentry Menswear is a bespoke fashion destination specialising in premium menswear for weddings and special events. Known for its personalised, tailored experience, the team brings expert knowledge and a relaxed, down-to-earth approach to every fitting. Offering everything from ready-to wear to fully made-to-measure options, The Gentry Menswear showcases a curated range of Australian labels including Joe Black, Gibson and Cambridge, alongside luxurious, globally sourced fabrics of exceptional quality. Whether you’re after a sleek, timeless look or something bold and unique, The Gentry Menswear ensures you’ll walk away styled to perfection for your big day.
Photography by Ashley Spagnolo Weddings.
PRECISION MEETS PASSION
Like the bride’s dress experience, suit shopping should be seamless, immersive and enjoyable as an opportunity to focus on yourself and feel your best. More grooms are embracing made-to measure suits, favouring comfort, personality and individuality over generic, off-the-rack options. Unlike renting or buying a pre-made design, a custom suit lets you inject your own flair, creating a one-of-a-kind piece and a lasting keepsake. “Made-to-measure suits allow for a better fit, higher quality fabrics and the freedom to express their own style. Renting often means compromising – on fit, comfort and how you feel on the day. With a custom suit, you walk away with something you’ll want to wear again, not return the next morning,” Halabi describes.
The design journey, however, isn’t one-size fits-all. Some clients arrive with a clear vision or detailed mood boards, while others develop their preferences along the way. “Often, the vision evolves as we introduce them to new styles and materials they hadn’t considered. We’re here to guide and educate, but the end result is always a reflection of them,” he continues. Whether the entire wedding party is going custom or just the groom, Halabi stresses the importance of starting early to avoid last-minute stress and to allow time for extra fittings or fine-tuning. He recommends beginning the process eight to twelve weeks before the wedding, as turnaround times typically range from four to six weeks.
TAILORED VOWS
So, what exactly does the made-to-measure process involve? According to Halabi, it all begins with a one-on-one consultation to understand the groom’s personal style, wedding theme and most importantly, how he wants to feel on the big day. From there the fun begins with selecting fabrics, linings, lapels and buttons – every detail is fully customisable. Precise measurements are then taken, and the custom suit is sent off to be lovingly made. Over the next few weeks, a fitting takes place, with any final tweaks handled in-house to ensure the suit fits flawlessly. Whether the groom has a crystal-clear vision or is figuring it out as he goes, the process is completely collaborative and tailored to the individual.
For those unsure about fit or style, the team expertly simplifies it. “We explain the fit and proportion in a way that’s easy to visualise – how a structured shoulder or longer hem can enhance your frame, for example. And we always balance style with practicality – ensuring the groom looks incredible and feels comfortable from ceremony to dancefloor,” he states.
Fabric choice also plays a vital role in comfort, especially when factoring in the climate. Whether your wedding is in Australia’s summer heat or under the enchanting, romantic stars of Europe, The Gentry Menswear’s curated selection of premium fabrics from mills including Loro Piana, Zegna and Australian Merino wool ensures the perfect balance of style and breathability.
Halabi recalls a recent standout destination wedding. “We dressed a groom for a wedding on Paros Island in Greece. The groom went for a full white look to reflect the location and season, and the boys just had made-to-measure pants and vests instead of a full suit, so they could enjoy the European summer party without getting too hot.”
SHARP, SEAMLESS AND YOURS
Halabi and his team encourage clients to fully embrace the collaborative process by incorporating personal embellishments, monograms and embroidery – small details that transform a suit from ordinary to truly miraculous. “Every made-to measure suit is fully customisable – from the cut of the lapel to the lining print, to contrast stitching, monograms and even the button choice. These aren’t just style choices – they make the suit feel personal and meaningful. It’s your day, and your suit should be as individual as you are,” Halabi explains.
The team delights in adding these subtle, meaningful touches that spark conversations and hold special significance on the wedding day. This might include sewing the wedding date inside the jacket, using sentimental fabric for the lining, or matching buttons to family heirlooms. Halabi shares that brides often call to add secret messages inside the groom’s suit, while grooms embroider inside jokes or nicknames for their groomsmen, making everyone feel special.
If you’re debating whether to go custom, Halabi says, “wearing something you’ve had a hand in designing gives you a sense of ownership – it’s more than just an outfit, it’s part of the story. When grooms pick the lining, the fabric, the stitching, they see a piece of themselves in the final product. It’s a subtle but powerful way to show up fully on the day.” His advice? “Start early, be open to suggestions and trust the process. This is your chance to wear something made just for you – it should feel right in every sense. And remember – fit always comes first. The sharpest suit is the one that fits the best.”